Ethanol or not

An article in the RACQ's magazine "Road Ahead" discussed using the correct fuel for your car.

Some key points are:

Know whether or not your vehicle is suited (or not) for a Bio blend.

Know the octane requirement.

Pay attention to the bowser & make sure the nozzle belongs to the right fuel tank.

Usually the handbook that comes with the car will tell you what fuel to use but if you are unsure re methanol blended fuels the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) website lists most vehicles and whether they are suited to blended fuels.

I found that my vehicle (Subaru Liberty) is not suited for blended fuel.

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When the fuel was proposed some car and outboard manfacturers were concerned about the effect of the alcohol on seals in fuel pumps, injectors and carburettors.  As well, the mix would be hygroscopic (absorbs water) and the water would cause rust in fuel systems to interfere with injectors, or even destroy pistons.

I didn't see the RACQ report, but it nay not have mentioned that even if your motor manufacturer says E10 is OK, you still have to take other precautions.  Examples: if you use fuel treatments you could be overdosing the alcohol; and, E10 needs to be stored in special sealed containers. 

The two main problems are too much alcohol (and fuel substitution) and absorbed water.

Because the fuel economy can vary dramatically with E10 fuel (and never as good as ULP) you wonder what quality is enforced and how.

I like the idea, but would worry about the risks even if the car was said to be 'made for it'.  Regarding the last comment, it is simply not possible to replace all hoses and sources of possible problem anyhow, not until all affected parts can be changed and that will take a long time.

Never put any ethanol blend in a boat or a submarine Cpt Nemo.

One of my cars is duel fuel and so the petrol tank may have the same fuel in it for months so stock standard unleaded goes in there and the same applies to the boat.

3.3 litre motor uses 12L per 100 kms on petrol but 18L per 100 kms on Lpg.

LPG price in Melbourne 55c per litre but Wagga Wagga NSW 78c per litre and petrol is $1.80.

A more modern 3.6 litre in the other car uses less than 10 per 100 kms but it is only 2 wheel drive.

So there is some useless info for you and I hope you all back a winner in the cup tomorrow.

My car can use E --but IMO it is rubbish and does more harm than it is worth--and I have been advised not to use it if I have a choice--

My car is not shown on the list at all and I use Premium not LPG as get far better milage even though more expensive it works out cheaper.

 

Actually havent seen it on offer in Tassie to date.

I use Caltex and stick to it as found it always gives better performance. told something to do with additives they all put in and Caltex suits my big 6 cyl engine and tuned to it.

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